Postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning systems and methods

ABSTRACT

A postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axis accelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are a function of positional orientation of the node along a path of attitude displacement of the node extending from a reference position of the node to a caution position of the node, and from the caution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and a signal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a caution signal in response to a caution positional state of the node at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warning signal different from the caution signal in response to a warning positional state of the node at the warning position of the node and distally therebeyond.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for attitudemonitoring of positional states, such as positional states of humanpositions, and for promoting desired postural states in individuals inneed thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The term “human positions” refers to the different positions, postures,or postural states that the human body can assume. Examples of humanpositions include such positions as standing, sitting, squatting, lying,crouching, walking, and running, and there are many other humanpositions as well, including those human positions that involve the useof an apparatus or implement including, as a matter of example, awalking position involving the use of a walker, cane, or otherambulatory device, a cycling position involving the use of a bicycle, arowing position involving the use of a row boat, a skiing positioninvolving the use of skis, and, as an additional example, variousexercise positions involving the use of weights or a resistance trainingmachines. Regardless of the activity and the corresponding humanposition, posture, or postural state employed, maintaining a correct orrecommended postural state is important to avoid unsatisfactory results,such as falling, slipping, wrecking, or otherwise moving in such a waythat could result in unwanted bodily damage, such as a pulled muscle, astrained joint, a bone fracture, or other injury, especially among theelderly, ambulatory patients, people suffering from Parkinson's disease,and others in need of maintaining proper or recommended postural statesin order to avoid injury or exacerbating existing injuries or bodilydefects.

In an effort to assist individuals in assuming and maintaining desiredpostural states in various activities, skilled artisans have devotedconsiderable time, effort, and resources toward the development ofvarious monitoring systems designed to monitor postural states ofindividuals, and for using the resulting data produced from suchmonitoring to develop therapeutic or training regimes designed topromote proper or recommended postural states. However, existingpostural state monitoring systems are expensive, cumbersome, and fail toprovide direct and dynamic reinforcement stimulus to an individualdesigned to promote and reinforce proper or recommended postural states,thus necessitating continued improvement in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the principle of the invention, a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along a path of attitudedisplacement of the node extending from a reference position or setpoint of the node to a caution position of the node, and from thecaution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and asignal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer forissuing a caution signal in response to a caution positional state ofthe node at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond toinside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warningsignal different from the caution signal in response to a warningpositional state of the node at the warning position of the node anddistally therebeyond. The signal device is a light signal device forissuing the caution signal being a caution light color, and for issuingthe warning signal being a warning light color different from thecaution light color. Preferably, the caution light color is yellow, andthe warning light color is red. In an alternate embodiment, the signaldevice is an aural signal device for issuing the caution signal being afirst sound, and for issuing the warning signal being a second sounddifferent from the first sound. In yet a further embodiment, the signaldevice is a vibrator signal device for issuing the caution signal beinga first vibration, and for issuing the warning signal being a secondvibration different from the first vibration.

According to the principle of the invention, a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along an axis of attitudedisplacement of the node extending from a reference position or setpoint of the node to a caution position of the node, and from thecaution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and alight signal device including a caution light and a warning lightaligned along a light signaling axis corresponding to the axis ofattitude displacement of the node, and the caution and warning lightsfurther being aligned along the light signaling axis from a proximallocation of the caution light to a distal location of the warning light.The light signal device is operatively coupled to the multiple axisaccelerometer for issuing a caution light color by the caution light ofthe light signal device in response to a caution positional state of thenode at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond toinside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warninglight color by the warning light of the light signal device in responseto a warning positional state of the node at the warning position of thenode and distally therebeyond. The warning light color is different fromthe caution light color. In a preferred embodiment, the caution lightcolor is yellow, and the warning light color is red.

According to the principle of the invention, a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along an x-direction ofattitude displacement of the node and a y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node, the x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node being perpendicular relative to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node. The x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node extends from a reference position or set point of the node toan x-caution position of the node and from the x-caution position of thenode to an x-warning position of the node. The y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node extends from the reference position or setpoint of the node to a y-caution position of the node and from they-caution position of the node to a y-warning position of the node.There is further a light signal device including an x-caution light, anx-warning light, a y-caution light, and a y-warning light. The x-cautionlight and the x-warning light are aligned along a light signalingx-direction corresponding to the x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node, the x-caution light and the x-warning light further beingaligned along the light signaling x-direction from a proximal locationof the x-caution light to a distal location of the x-warning light. They-caution light and the y-warning light are aligned along a lightsignaling y-direction corresponding to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node, the y-caution light and the y-warning lightfurther being aligned along the light signaling y-direction from aproximal location of the y-caution light to a distal location of they-warning light. The light signal device is operatively coupled to themultiple axis accelerometer for issuing an x-caution light color by thex-caution light of the light signal device in response to an x-cautionpositional state of the node at the x-caution position of the node anddistally therebeyond to inside of the x-warning position of the node,and for issuing an x-warning light color by the x-warning light of thelight signal device in response to an x-warning positional state of thenode at the x-warning position of the node and distally therebeyond. Thelight signal device is further operatively coupled to the multiple axisaccelerometer for issuing a y-caution light color by the y-caution lightof the light signal device in response to a y-caution positional stateof the node at the y-caution position of the node and distallytherebeyond to inside of the y-warning position of the node, and forissuing a y-warning light color by the y-warning light of the lightsignal device in response to a y-warning positional state of the node atthe y-warning position of the node and distally therebeyond. Thex-warning light color is different from the x-caution light color, andthe y-warning light color is different from the y-caution light color.In a preferred embodiment, the x-caution light color is yellow, thex-warning light color is red, the y-caution light color is yellow, andthe y-warning light color is red.

According to the principle of the invention, a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along an x-direction ofattitude displacement of the node and a y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node, the x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node being perpendicular relative to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node. The x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node extends from a reference position or set point of the node toan x-caution position of the node and from the x-caution position of thenode to an x-warning position of the node. The y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node extends from the reference position or setpoint of the node to a y-caution position of the node and from they-caution position of the node to a y-warning position of the node.There is further a light signal device including a reference light, anx-caution light, an x-warning light, a y-caution light, and a y-warninglight. The reference light, the x-caution light, and the x-warning lightare aligned along a light signaling x-direction corresponding to thex-direction of attitude displacement of the node, the reference light,the x-caution light, and the x-warning light further being aligned alongthe light signaling x-direction from a proximal location of thex-caution light to a reference position or set point of the referencelight, and from the reference position or set point of the referencelight to a distal location of the x-warning light. The reference light,the y-caution light, and the y-warning light are aligned along a lightsignaling y-direction corresponding to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node, the reference light, the y-caution light, andthe y-warning light further being aligned along the light signalingy-direction from a proximal location of the y-caution light to thereference position or set point of the reference light, and from thereference position or set point of the reference light to a distallocation of the y-warning light. The light signal device is operativelycoupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a reference lightcolor by the reference light in response to a reference position orstate of the node at the reference position or set point of the node anddistally therebeyond to inside of the x-caution position of the node andthe y-caution position of the node. The light signal device is furtheroperatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing anx-caution light color by the x-caution light of the light signal devicein response to an x-caution positional state of the node at thex-caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of thex-warning position of the node, and for issuing an x-warning light colorby the x-warning light of the light signal device in response to anx-warning positional state of the node at the x-warning position of thenode and distally therebeyond. The light signal device is still furtheroperatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing ay-caution light color by the y-caution light of the light signal devicein response to a y-caution positional state of the node at the y-cautionposition of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of the y-warningposition of the node, and for issuing a y-warning light color by they-warning light of the light signal device in response to a y-warningpositional state of the node at the y-warning position of the node anddistally therebeyond. The reference light color is different from eachof the x-caution light color, the x-warning light color, the y-cautionlight color, and the y-warning light color, the x-warning light color isdifferent from the x-caution light color, and the y-warning light coloris different from the y-caution light color. In a preferred embodiment,the reference light color is green, the x-caution light color is yellow,the x-warning light color is red, the y-caution light color is yellow,and the y-warning light color is red.

According to the principle of the invention, a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along an axis of attitudedisplacement of the node extending from a reference position or setpoint of the node to a caution position of the node, and from thecaution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and anaural signal device operatively coupled to the multiple axisaccelerometer for issuing a pre-recorded audible verbal caution messagein response to a caution positional state of the node at the cautionposition of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of the warningposition of the node, and for issuing a pre-recorded audible verbalwarning message in response to a warning positional state of the node atthe warning position of the node and distally therebeyond. Thepre-recorded audible verbal caution message is provided to encouragemovement the node from the caution positional state of the node towardthe reference position or set point of the node, and the pre-recordedaudible verbal warning message is provided to demand movement of thenode from the warning positional state of the node toward the referenceposition or set point of the node.

According to the principle of the invention, a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along an x-direction ofattitude displacement of the node and a y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node, the x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node being perpendicular relative to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node. The x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node extends from a reference position or set point of the node toan x-caution position of the node and from the x-caution position of thenode to an x-warning position of the node, and the y-direction ofattitude displacement of the node extends from the reference position orset point of the node to a y-caution position of the node and from they-caution position of the node to a y-warning position of the node. Anaural signal device is operatively coupled to the multiple axisaccelerometer for issuing a pre-recorded audible verbal x-cautionmessage in response to an x-caution positional state of the node at thex-caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of thex-warning position of the node, and for issuing a pre-recorded audibleverbal x-warning message in response to an x-warning positional state ofthe node at the x-warning position of the node and distally therebeyond.The aural signal device is further operatively coupled to the multipleaxis accelerometer for issuing a pre-recorded audible verbal y-cautionmessage in response to a y-caution positional state of the node at they-caution position of the node and distally therebeyond to inside of they-warning position of the node, and for issuing a pre-recorded audibleverbal y-warning message in response to a y-warning positional state ofthe node at the y-warning position of the node and distally therebeyond.The pre-recorded audible verbal x-caution message is provided toencourage movement the node from the x-caution positional state of thenode toward the reference position or set point of the node, thepre-recorded audible verbal x-warning message is provided to demandmovement of the node from the x-warning positional state of the nodetoward the reference position or set point of the node, the pre-recordedaudible verbal y-caution message is provided to encourage movement thenode from the y-caution positional state of the node toward thereference position or set point of the node, and the pre-recordedaudible verbal y-warning message is provided to demand movement of thenode from the y-warning positional state of the node toward thereference position or set point of the node.

Consistent with the foregoing summary of preferred embodiments, and theensuing detailed description, which are to be taken together, theinvention also contemplates associated apparatus and method embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a postural state attitude monitoring,caution, and warning system constructed and arranged in accordance withthe principle of the invention, the postural state attitude monitoring,caution, and warning system including a node formed with a multiple axisaccelerometer operatively coupled to a control unit incorporating alight signal device formed in the front of the control unit;

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1 illustrating a clipformed in the back of the control unit;

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of the control unit of the posturalstate attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the control unit of the posturalstate attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of the control unit of the postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the control unit of the postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a left side elevation view of the control unit of the posturalstate attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a right side elevation view of the control unit of thepostural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG.1;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of the node of the postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevation view of the node of the postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the node of the postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 12 is a fragmented rear elevation view of the control unit of thepostural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG.1 illustrating an ON/OFF switch as it would appear in an OFF positiondeactivating the control unit;

FIG. 13 is a view similar to that of FIG. 12 illustrating an ON/OFFswitch as it would appear in an ON position activating the control unit;

FIG. 14 is a fragmented left side elevation view of the control unit ofthe postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system ofFIG. 1 illustrating an aural signal device ON/OFF switch as it wouldappear in an OFF position deactivating an aural signal device of thecontrol unit;

FIG. 15 is a view similar to that of FIG. 14 illustrating the auralsignal device ON/OFF switch as it would appear in an ON positionactivating the aural signal device of the control unit;

FIG. 16 is schematic view of the control unit similar to that of FIG. 13illustrating a vibrator incorporated into the control unit;

FIG. 16A is a schematic representation of safe, caution, and warningzones of the postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warningsystem of FIG. 1;

FIG. 17 is vertical section view of the node of the postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 18 is a schematic representation of the postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1;

FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate paths of attitude displacement of the node ofthe postural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system ofFIG. 1;

FIGS. 21 and 22 illustrate the node of the postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system of FIG. 1 shown as it wouldappear attached to a user in preparation for use;

FIG. 23 illustrates the postural state attitude monitoring, caution, andwarning system of FIG. 1 shown as it would appear in use by a useremploying a walker in walking;

FIGS. 24-48 illustrate various illuminated configurations of the lightsignal device of the control unit of the postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system as illustrated in FIG. 1; and

FIG. 49 is an enlarged perspective view of a control unit wirelesslycoupled to a node according to an alternate embodiment of a posturalstate attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system constructed andarranged in accordance with the principle of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The term “human positions” used throughout this disclosure refers to thedifferent positions, postures, or postural states that the human bodycan assume, such as standing, sitting, squatting, lying, crouching,walking, and running, and there are myriad other human positions aswell, including those human positions that involve the use of anapparatus or implement including, as a matter of example, a walkingposition involving the use of a walker, cane, or other ambulatorydevice, a cycling position involving the use of a bicycle, a rowingposition involving the use of a row boat, a skiing position involvingthe use of skis, and, as an additional example, various exercisepositions involving the use of weights or a resistance trainingmachines. Ensuing embodiments of the invention relate to a posturalstate attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system useful forproviding postural state monitoring of human positions of an individual,for issuing caution stimuli in response to a monitored postural state ofa human position falling out of a safe zone into a caution zone, and forissuing warning stimuli in response to a monitored postural state of ahuman position falling out of a caution zone and entering a warningzone. In a safe zone indicated by a monitored positional state, thehuman position is correct, recommended, or safe. In a caution zoneindicated by a monitored positional state, the human position is notentirely correct, not entirely recommended, or otherwise not entirelyunsafe. In a warning zone indicated by a monitored positional state, thehuman position is not correct, not recommended, and unsafe leading topossible injury or other unsatisfactory outcome. Various embodiments ofthe invention provide indications of postural states of human positions,and the various output stimuli are designed to inform an individual ofunsafe postural states of human positions and to assist an individual intaking corrective action to resume safe postural states of humanpositions.

In general, the invention is a postural state attitude monitoring,caution, and warning system, which includes a multiple axisaccelerometer carried by a node for generating output signals that are afunction of positional orientation of the node along a path of attitudedisplacement of the node extending from a reference position or setpoint of the node to a caution position of the node, and from thecaution position of the node to a warning position of the node, and asignal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer forissuing a caution signal in response to a caution positional state ofthe node at the caution position of the node and distally therebeyond toinside of the warning position of the node, and for issuing a warningsignal different from the caution signal in response to a warningpositional state of the node at the warning position of the node anddistally therebeyond. In a particular embodiment, the signal device is alight signal device for issuing the caution signal being a caution lightcolor, and for issuing the warning signal being a warning light colordifferent from the caution light color. Preferably, the caution lightcolor is yellow to indicate caution, and the warning light color is redto indicate warning. In an alternate embodiment, the signal device is anaural signal device for issuing the caution signal being a first sound,and for issuing the warning signal being a second sound different fromthe first sound. In still a further embodiment, the signal device is avibrator signal device for issuing the caution signal being a firstvibration, and for issuing the warning signal being a second vibrationdifferent from the first vibration. The a postural state attitudemonitoring, caution, and warning system is useful for monitoring humanpositions, for indicating a safe zone of a human position based on amonitored positional state of the node, for indicating a caution zone ofa human position based on a monitored positional state of the node, andfor indicating a warning zone of a human position based on a monitoredpositional state of the node. According to the invention, in the safezone indicated by a monitored positional state of the node, the humanposition is correct, recommended, or safe. In the caution zone indicatedby a monitored positional state of the node, the human position is notentirely correct, not entirely recommended, or otherwise not entirelyunsafe. In the warning zone indicated by a monitored positional state ofthe node, the human position is not correct, not recommended, and unsafeleading to possible injury or other unsatisfactory outcome. Theinvention is particularly useful in monitoring human positions ofindividuals that suffer from injury or disease that could prevent themfrom safely performing certain activities and for providing suchactivities with signaling feedback to indicate safe, risky, anddangerous human positional states.

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters indicatecorresponding elements throughout the several views, attention is firstdirected to FIG. 1 in which there is seen a perspective view of apostural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system 100constructed and arranged in accordance with the principle of theinvention including a node 101, which, as illustrated in FIG. 17, isformed with a multiple axis accelerometer 102 operatively coupled to acontrol console or unit 103. Accelerometer 102 of node 101 as referencedin FIG. 17 is entirely conventional and generates output signals tocontrol unit 103 that are a function of positional orientation of node101 along different directions or paths of attitude displacement of node101, including a first or x-direction of attitude displacement of node101 denoted at 105 and a second or y-direction of attitude displacementof node 101 denoted at 106. The first or x-direction of attitudedisplacement 105 is different from the second or y-direction of attitudedisplacement 106. Preferably, the first or x-direction of attitudedisplacement 105 is perpendicular with respect to the second ory-direction of attitude displacement 106. For ease of referencing andunderstanding, the first or x-direction of attitude displacement 105 maybe additionally referred to as x-direction 105, and second ory-direction of attitude displacement 106 may likewise be additionallyreferred to as simply y-direction 106.

Referencing FIGS. 1, 2, 9-11, and 17 in relevant part, node 101 consistsof a body 110 that holds and contains accelerometer 102, which isillustrated only in FIG. 17. Body 110 is formed of plastic and ispreferably integrally formed such as by molding or machining and hasopposed front and rear faces 111 and 112, opposite upper and lower ends113 and 114, opposite sides 115 and 116, and a geometric center aboutwhich body 110 is symmetrical, and which is where accelerometer 102 ispositioned as shown in FIG. 17. For the purpose of orientation andreference, side 115 is considered the left side of node 101 and isreferred to as such throughout this disclosure, and side 116 isconsidered the left side of node 101 and is referred to as suchthroughout this disclosure.

Looking to FIG. 17, a volume or cavity 120 is formed centrally in body110. Accelerometer 102 is located in cavity 120 at the geometric centerof body 110, and is held in place in a mass of hardened material 121applied in cavity 120 between accelerometer 102 and body 110. Mass ofhardened material 121 is preferably an epoxy resin. Accelerometer 102 isembedded in mass of hardened material 121, which is applied to andmaintained by cavity 120 formed in body 110. Mass of hardened material121 into which accelerometer 102 is embedded is an encasement, whichsubstantially encases and substantially isolates accelerometer 102 fromenvironmental influences, namely, from direct exposure to moisture,water, chemicals, debris, and the like, to ensure the continued andreliable operation of accelerometer 102. Body 110 forms part of theencasement. As seen in FIGS. 2, 10, 17, and 22, front face 111 of body110 of node 101 is formed with a layer of an applied adhesive 122, whichis used to adhesively apply and secure node 101 in place to anindividual at a predetermined location for postural monitoring purposes.

Control unit 103 referenced in FIGS. 1-8 and FIGS. 12-16 is operativelycoupled to accelerometer 102 of node 101 for receiving and responding tooutput signals from accelerometer 102, and incorporates a housing 130that supports the various electrically connected electronic componentsof system 100. In the present embodiment with reference in relevant partto FIGS. 1, 2, 17, and 23, control unit 103 is operatively coupled toaccelerometer 102 of node 101 with a conventional electrical cable 124.Housing 130 is formed of plastic or the like and in the presentembodiment is generally rectangular in shape. For reference purposes,housing 130 has a top 131 and an opposed parallel bottom 132, opposedparallel left and right sides 133 and 134, a front face 135, and anopposed parallel rear or back face 136.

Referring in relevant part to FIGS. 1-8, 12-16, and 18, the variouselectronic components of control unit 103 include an ON/OFF switch 140,a power indicator light 141, a speaker ON/OFF switch 142, a speakerpower indicator light 143, a speaker 144, a processor 150, storage 151,accelerometer 102, x-direction potentiometer 151, y-directionpotentiometer 152, a vibrator 154, a light signal device denotedgenerally at 155, and a power source 156 that provides electrical powerto these components, including accelerometer 102. Speaker 144, vibrator154, and light signal device 155 are signal devices of control unit 103,which are each configured to issue caution and warning stimuli. Speaker144 emits audible signals, stimuli, or alarms capable of being heard,vibrator 154 issues tactile stimuli, signals, or alarms capable of beingfelt, and light signal device 155 emits visual signals, stimuli, oralarms capable of being seen. ON/OFF switch 140, power indicator light141, speaker ON/OFF switch 142, speaker power indicator light 143,speaker 144, processor 150, storage 151, accelerometer 102, x-directionpotentiometer 151, y-direction potentiometer 152, vibrator 154, lightsignal device denoted generally at 155, and power source 156incorporated in control unit 103 are electrically connected withconventional electronic circuitry. And so through conventional circuitryincorporated in control unit 103, processor 150 is operatively coupledto power source 156, storage 151, and to the signal devices of controlunit 103 including speaker 144, vibrator 154, and light signal device155. Processor 150 is, in turn, operatively coupled to accelerometer 102with a conventional electrical cable 124, which is a form ofconventional electrical wiring, and x-direction and y-directionpotentiometers 152 and 153 are operatively coupled to accelerometer 102through processor 150. Processor 150 is a conventional and well knownprocessor, power indicator light 141 and speaker power indicator light143 are each conventional light sources operative to emit illuminationand are each preferably a light-emitting diode (LED), speaker 144 is aconventional aural device commonly found in cellular phones and the likethat is operative to emit audible stimuli, signals, or alarms, andvibrator 154 is a conventional device commonly found in cellular phonesand the like that is operative to impart vibrating stimuli, signals, oralarms.

Switch 140 and power indicator light 141 are located at top 131 ofhousing 130. Switch 140 is the main ON/OFF switch of control unit 103and is a conventional and readily available toggle switch movablebetween an ON position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 empowering andactivating power indicator light 141, speaker ON/OFF switch 142,processor 150, storage 151, accelerometer 102, vibrator 154, and lightsignal device 155, and an OFF position as shown in FIGS. 1-4, 6, and 12deactivating such components. Power indicator light 141 illuminates asindicated in FIGS. 13 and 16 in the ON position of switch 140 to providea visual indication that control unit 103 is activated or otherwisepowered up in preparation for use, and does not illuminate in the OFFposition of switch 140 to provide a visual indication that control unit103 is deactivated or otherwise powered down.

Speaker ON/OFF switch 142 and speaker power indicator light 143 arelocated at right side 134 of housing 130. Switch 142 is enabled andoperational in the ON position of switch 140, and is disabled and notoperational in the OFF position of switch 140. Switch 142 is aconventional and readily available toggle switch, and in the ON positionof switch 140 is movable between an ON position as shown in FIG. 14empowering and activating speaker power indicator light 143 and speaker144, and an OFF position as shown in FIG. 15 deactivating suchcomponents. In the ON position of switch 140, speaker power indicatorlight 143 illuminates as indicated in FIG. 15 the ON position of switch142 to provide a visual indication that speaker 144 is activated orotherwise powered up in preparation for use, and does not illuminate inthe OFF position of switch 142 to provide a visual indication thatspeaker 144 is deactivated or otherwise powered down.

System 100 operates in a DC-powered environment, and power source 156 isa DC power source consisting of three conventional AA alkalinebatteries. Those having ordinary skill in the art will readilyappreciate that any suitable form of battery, including any desired orsuitable number of batteries, including one or more rechargeablebatteries, may be provided and utilized for the power source onboardcontrol unit 103. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, back face 136 ofhousing 130 forms part of a back of housing 130 that is secured in placewith screw fasteners, which may be removed for the purpose of removingthe back from housing for replacing power source 156 as may be requiredfrom time-to-time. As seen in FIGS. 2, 4-8, 14, and 15, back face 136 ofhousing 130 is formed with an attached clip 158 for use in clipping andsecuring control unit 103 to a pocket of a pair of pants or shorts wornby a user during the use of system 100.

As explained above, accelerometer 102 of node 101 generates outputsignals to control unit 103 that are a function of positionalorientation of node 101 along different directions or paths of attitudedisplacement of node 101, including an x-direction 105 and y-direction106. According to the preferred embodiment, and referring to FIGS. 1 and9, x-direction 105 is preferably perpendicular with respect to they-direction 106. The x-direction 105 is a horizontal direction that runsalong, and is the same as, the horizontal axis X of node 101 extendingthrough the geometric center of body 110 node 101 from left side 115 ofbody 110 of node 101 to right side 116 of body 110 of node 101. They-direction 106 is a vertical direction that runs along, and is the sameas, the vertical axis Y of node 101 extending through the geometriccenter of body 110 node 101. The paths of attitude displacement of node101 as defined by accelerometer 102 thus extend along two directions orplanes, namely, a horizontal direction or plane as identified byx-direction 105, and a vertical direction or plane as identified byy-direction 106.

According to the principle of the invention, an initial, reference, orset point position or positional state of node 101 is defined byaccelerometer 102 in an initial, reference, or set point position orpositional state of accelerometer 102. The initial, reference, or setpoint position or positional state of node 101 defined by accelerometer102 in an initial, reference, or set point position or positional stateof accelerometer 102 sets or otherwise defines initial or referencepositions or positional states of axes X and Y of node 101 from whichx-direction 105 of attitude displacement and y-direction 106 of attitudedisplacement are defined and monitored by accelerometer 102. Thex-direction 105 extends at along either side of axis X of node 101, andy-direction 106 extends at along either side of axis Y of node 101. Thereference position of node 101 as described sets or otherwise defines aninitial or reference position or positional state of axis X, which isdenoted at P in FIG. 9. The x-direction 105 of attitude displacement ofnode 101 defined by accelerometer 102 corresponds to a side-to-sideangular displacement movement of node 101 causing a correspondingside-to-side angular displacement of axis X of node 101 from the initialor reference position P of axis X to opposed angular caution positionsX1 and X1′ of axis X on either side of the initial or reference positionP of axis X, and to opposed angular warning positions X2 and X2′ of axisX on either side of the initial or reference position P of axis X.

An initial or reference position or positional state of node 101 sets aninitial or reference position or positional state of axis X, which, as amatter of reference and understanding, is denoted at P in FIG. 9 andwhich is the initial or reference position of axis X. The x-direction105 of attitude displacement of node 101 defined by accelerometer 102corresponds to a side-to-side angular displacement or movement of node101 in the direction indicated by arcuate arrowed line A from itsinitial reference position of node 101 causing a correspondingside-to-side angular displacement of axis X of node 101 from referenceposition P of axis X to opposed angular caution positions X1 and X1′ ofaxis X as defined by accelerometer 102 on either side of initialposition P of axis X, and to opposed angular warning positions X2 andX2′ of axis X as defined by accelerometer on either side of referenceposition P of axis X. On one side of axis X, there is an angle ofdisplacement C between reference position P of axis X to cautionposition X1 of axis X, and there is an angle of displacement D formedbetween reference position P of axis X to warning position X2 of axis X.On the opposing side of axis X, there is an angle of displacement C′between reference position P of axis X to caution position X1 of axis X,and there is an angle of displacement D′ formed between referenceposition P of axis X to warning position X2 of axis X.

At each of caution positions X1 and X1′ of axis X in relation toreference position P of axis X, node 101 is in a caution position,according to the invention. At each of warning positions X2 and X2′ ofaxis X in relation to reference position P of axis X, node 101 is in awarning position, according to the invention. As a matter ofillustration and reference in relation to axis X, FIG. 19 illustratesnode 101 as it would appear in the reference position thereofcorresponding to reference position P of axis X denoted in FIG. 9,phantom designation 101A of node 101 indicates the angular displacedorientation of node 101 in the caution position thereof corresponding tocaution position X1 of axis X denoted in FIG. 9, phantom designation101B of node 101 indicates the angular displaced orientation of node 101in the warning position thereof corresponding to warning position X2 ofaxis X denoted in FIG. 9, phantom designation 101C of node 101 indicatesthe angular displaced orientation of node 101 in the caution positionthereof corresponding to caution position X1′ of axis X denoted in FIG.9, and phantom designation 101D of node 101 indicates the angulardisplaced orientation of node 101 in the warning position thereofcorresponding to warning position X2′ of axis X denoted in FIG. 9.

As they relate to axis X, the caution positions of node 101 may bereferred to as x-caution positions, and the warning positions of node101 may be referred to as x-warning positions. According to theprinciple of the invention, each of the signal devices of control unit103 is operatively coupled to accelerometer 102 for issuing a cautionsignal in response to axis X reaching or otherwise assuming cautionposition X1 in response to angular displacement or movement of axis X byangle C from reference position P to caution position X1 of axis Xdefining a caution position or positional state of node 101 and distallytherebeyond to inside of the warning position of node 101 at position X2of axis X defining a warning position of node 101, and for issuing awarning signal in response to axis X reaching or otherwise assumingwarning position X2 in response to angular displacement or movement ofaxis X by angle D from reference position P to warning position X2 ofaxis X defining a warning position or positional state of node 101 anddistally therebeyond, whereby the warning signal is different from thecaution signal. Each of the signal devices of control unit 103 isfurther operatively coupled to accelerometer 102 for issuing a cautionsignal in response to axis X reaching or otherwise assuming cautionposition X1′ in response to angular displacement or movement of axis Xby angle C′ from reference position P to caution position X1′ of axis Xalong the opposing side of reference position P of axis X defininganother caution position or positional state of node 101 and distallytherebeyond to inside of the warning position of node 101 at positionX2′ of axis X defining another warning position of node 101, and forissuing a warning signal in response to axis X reaching or otherwiseassuming warning position X2′ in response to angular displacement ormovement of axis X by angle D′ from reference position P to warningposition X2′ of axis X defining a warning position or positional stateof node 101 and distally therebeyond, whereby the warning signal isdifferent from the caution signal.

Angles of displacement C, D, C′, and D are set by accelerometer 102. Inthe present embodiment, angle of displacement C from reference positionP of axis X to caution position X1 of axis X is equal to angle ofdisplacement C′ from reference position P of axis X to caution positionX1′ of axis X, and angle of displacement D from reference position P ofaxis X to caution position X1 of axis X is equal to angle ofdisplacement D′ from reference position P of axis X to caution positionX2′ of axis X. As a matter of example, angles of displacement C and C′are each 7.5 degrees, and angles of displacement D and D′ are each 15degrees. The angles of displacement set in accelerometer 102 are set by,and are adjustable by, x-direction potentiometer 152 of control unit 103as shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 14, and 15, which are considered part ofaccelerometer 102. Simply by rotating x-direction potentiometer 152 inclockwise and counterclockwise directions, the angles of displacement C,D, C′, and D′ can be concurrently and incrementally increased ordecreased depending on the specific application of system 100 inpostural monitoring, caution, and warning.

As with the initial or reference position or positional state of axis Xof node 101, an initial or reference position or positional state ofnode 101 also sets an initial or reference position or positional stateof axis Y, which is denoted at P1 in FIG. 11 and which is the initial orreference position of axis Y. The y-direction 106 of attitudedisplacement of node 101 defined by accelerometer 102 corresponds to afront-to-back angular displacement or movement of node 101 causing acorresponding front-to-back angular displacement of axis Y of node 101from the initial or reference position P1 of axis Y to opposed angularcaution positions Y1 and Y1′ of axis Y on either side of the initial orreference position P1 of axis Y, and to opposed angular warningpositions Y2 and Y2′ of axis Y on either side of the initial orreference position P1 of axis Y.

An initial or reference position or positional state of node 101 sets aninitial or reference position or positional state of axis Y, which isdenoted at P1 in FIG. 9 and which is the initial position of axis Y. They-direction 106 of attitude displacement of node 101 defined byaccelerometer 102 corresponds to a front-to-back angular displacementmovement of node 101 in the direction indicated by arcuate arrowed lineB in FIG. 11 from its initial reference position of node 101 causing acorresponding front-to-back angular displacement of axis Y of node 101from reference position P1 of axis Y to opposed angular cautionpositions Y1 and Y1′ of axis Y as defined by accelerometer 102 on eitherside of initial position P1 of axis Y, and to opposed angular warningpositions Y2 and Y2′ of axis Y as defined by accelerometer on eitherside of reference position P1 of axis Y. On one side of axis Y, there isan angle of displacement E between reference position P1 of axis Y tocaution position Y1 of axis Y, and there is an angle of displacement Fformed between reference position P1 of axis Y to warning position Y2 ofaxis Y. On the opposing side of axis Y, there is an angle ofdisplacement E′ between reference position P1 of axis Y to cautionposition Y1 of axis Y, and there is an angle of displacement F′ formedbetween reference position P1 of axis Y to warning position Y2 of axisY.

At each of caution positions Y1 and Y1′ of axis Y in relation toreference position P1 of axis Y, node 101 is in a caution position,according to the invention. At each of warning positions Y2 and Y2′ ofaxis Y in relation to reference position P1 of axis Y, node 101 is in awarning position, according to the invention. As a matter ofillustration and reference in relation to axis Y, FIG. 19 illustratesnode 101 as it would appear in the reference position thereofcorresponding to reference position P1 of axis Y denoted in FIG. 9,phantom designation 101E of node 101 indicates the angular displacedorientation of node 101 in the caution position thereof corresponding tocaution position Y1 of axis Y denoted in FIG. 9, phantom designation101F of node 101 indicates the angular displaced orientation of node 101in the warning position thereof corresponding to warning position Y2 ofaxis Y denoted in FIG. 9, phantom designation 101G of node 101 indicatesthe angular displaced orientation of node 101 in the caution positionthereof corresponding to caution position Y1′ of axis Y denoted in FIG.9, and phantom designation 101H of node 101 indicates the angulardisplaced orientation of node 101 in the warning position thereofcorresponding to warning position Y2′ of axis Y denoted in FIG. 9.

As they relate to axis Y, the caution positions of node 101 may bereferred to as y-caution positions, and the warning positions of node101 may be referred to as y-warning positions. According to theprinciple of the invention, each of the signal devices of control unit103 is operatively coupled to accelerometer 102 for issuing a cautionsignal in response to axis Y reaching or otherwise assuming cautionposition Y1 in response to angular displacement or movement of axis Y byangle E from reference position P1 to caution position Y1 of axis Ydefining a caution position or positional state of node 101 and distallytherebeyond to inside of the warning position of node 101 at position Y2of axis Y defining a warning position of node 101, and for issuing awarning signal in response to axis Y reaching or otherwise assumingwarning position Y2 in response to angular displacement or movement ofaxis Y by angle F from reference position P1 to warning position Y2 ofaxis Y defining a warning position or positional state of node 101 anddistally therebeyond, whereby the warning signal is different from thecaution signal. Each of the signal devices of control unit 103 isfurther operatively coupled to accelerometer 102 for issuing a cautionsignal in response to axis Y reaching or otherwise assuming cautionposition Y1′ in response to angular displacement or movement of axis Yby angle E′ from reference position P1 to caution position Y1′ of axis Yalong the opposing side of reference position P1 of axis Y defininganother caution position or positional state of node 101 and distallytherebeyond to inside of the warning position of node 101 at positionY2′ of axis Y defining another warning position of node 101, and forissuing a warning signal in response to axis Y reaching or otherwiseassuming warning position Y2′ in response to angular displacement ormovement of axis Y by angle F′ from reference position P1 to warningposition Y2′ of axis Y defining a warning position or positional stateof node 101 and distally therebeyond, whereby the warning signal isdifferent from the caution signal.

Angles of displacement E, F, E′, and F′ are set by accelerometer 102. Inthe present embodiment, angle of displacement E from reference positionP1 of axis Y to caution position Y1 of axis Y is equal to angle ofdisplacement E′ from reference position P1 of axis Y to caution positionY1′ of axis Y, and angle of displacement F from reference position P1 ofaxis Y to caution position Y1 of axis Y is equal to angle ofdisplacement F′ from reference position P1 of axis Y to caution positionY2′ of axis Y. As a matter of example, angles of displacement E and C′are each 7.5 degrees, and angles of displacement F and D′ are each 15degrees. The angles of displacement set in accelerometer 102 are set by,and are adjustable by, y-direction potentiometer 153 of control unit 103as shown in FIGS. 1, 7, 14, and 15, which is considered part ofaccelerometer 102. Simply by rotating y-direction potentiometer 153 inclockwise and counterclockwise directions, the angles of displacement E,F, E′, and F′ can be concurrently and incrementally increased ordecreased depending on the specific application of system 100 inpostural monitoring, caution, and warning.

As explained above, speaker 144 emits caution and warning audiblesignals, stimuli, or alarms capable of being heard, vibrator 154 issuescaution and warning tactile stimuli, signals, or alarms capable of beingfelt, and light signal device 155 emits caution and warning visualsignals, stimuli, or alarms capable of being seen. As a matter ofexample, the caution audible stimulus or alarm issued by speaker 144 ina caution position of node 101 is a soft, shrill, and yet easily heardnoise, serious of noises, or pattern of noises so as to be indicative ofa caution position of node 101, and the warning audible stimulus oralarm issued by speaker in a warning position of node 101 is acomparatively loud, shrill, and easily heard different noise, differentseries of noises, or different pattern of noises so as to be indicativeof warning position of node 101. The caution and warning audible signalsissued by speaker 144 may, in an alternate embodiment, be differentpre-recorded verbal caution and warning messages, which are housed orotherwise stored in storage 151 and accessed by processor 150 forplaying through speaker 144 in response to the caution position andwarning position of node 101. The tactile stimulus issued by vibrator154 in a caution position of node 101 is a soft vibration or pattern ofvibrations capable of being felt by a user holding or carrying controlunit 103 so as to be indicative of a caution position of node 101, andthe warning tactile stimulus issued by vibrator 154 in a warningposition of node is a comparatively strong vibration or pattern ofvibrations capable of being very easily felt by a user holding orcarrying control unit 103.

Light signal device 155 is located along front face 135 of housing 130as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, and is structured to issue differentvisual stimuli relating to the reference, caution, and warning positionsof node 101. Light signal device 155 includes a central reference light160, a series of x-lights, and a series of y-lights. The x-lights andthe y-lights are each preferably a light-emitting diode (LED). Theseries of x-lights includes opposed x-caution lights 161R and 161L oneither side of reference light 160, and opposed x-warning lights 162Rand 162L located distally on either side of x-caution lights 161R and161L, respectively, all of which are aligned on front face 135 ofhousing 130 along a light signaling x-direction denoted at 163 extendingthrough reference light 160 being thus aligned in light signalingx-direction 163. The series of y-lights includes opposed y-cautionlights 170F and 170R on either side of reference light 160, and opposedy-warning lights 171F and 171R located distally on either side ofy-caution lights 170F and 170R, all of which are aligned along a lightsignaling y-direction denoted at 173 extending through reference light160 being thus aligned in light signaling y-direction 174.

The light signaling x-direction 163 orientationally corresponds tox-direction 105 of attitude displacement of node 101 previouslydiscussed, and light signaling y-direction 173 orientationallycorresponds to y-direction 106 of attitude displacement of node 101,according to the principle of the invention. Because x-direction 105 ofattitude displacement of node 101 is horizontal and perpendicularrelative to vertical y-direction 106 of attitude displacement of node101, light signaling x-direction of the x-lights is likewise horizontalon front face 135 of housing 130 extending in a horizontal directionfrom side 133 of housing 130 to side 134 of housing 130, and is furtherperpendicular with respect to light signaling y-direction 173 of they-lights, which, like the vertical orientation of y-direction 106, arevertical on front face 135 of housing 130 extending in a verticaldirection from top 131 of housing 130 to bottom 132 of housing 130. Thelight signaling x- and y-directions of the x- and y-lights form a crosson front face 135 of housing 130, which intersect at reference light160.

According to this disclosure, reference light 160, x-caution lights 161Rand 161L, and x-warning lights 162R and 162L are aligned along lightsignaling x-direction 163 corresponding to x-direction 105 of attitudedisplacement of node 101, and are aligned along light signalingx-direction from opposed proximal locations of x-caution lights 161R and161L to a reference position of reference light 160, and from thereference position of reference light 160 to distal locations ofx-warning lights 162R and 162L. Furthermore, reference light 160,y-caution lights 170F and 170R, and x-warning lights 171F and 171R arealigned along light signaling y-direction 173 corresponding toy-direction 106 of attitude displacement of node 101, and are alignedalong light signaling y-direction from opposed proximal locations ofy-caution lights 170F and 170R to the reference position of referencelight 160, and from the reference position of reference light 160 todistal locations of x-warning lights 171F and 171R.

Light signal device 155 is operatively coupled to accelerometer 102through processor 150 for assuming and switching between a variety ofilluminated states to indicate x-direction and y-direction displacementsof node 101 from the reference position of node 101 to the cautionpositions of node 101 and from the reference position of node 101 to thewarning positions of node 101. One illuminated state is reference light160 issuing a reference light color as shown in FIG. 24 in response tothe reference position of node 101 and from the reference position ofnode distally therebeyond to inside of the x-caution positions of node101 and the y-caution positions of node 101 indicating a safe zoneorientation of node 101 and this illuminated state of light signaldevice 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in this safe zone.

Another illuminated state of light signal device 155 includes lightsignal device 155 issuing an x-caution light color by x-caution light161R as shown in FIG. 25 in response to an x-caution positional state ofthe node 101 at the x-caution position 101A of node 101 shown in FIG. 19and from x-caution position 101A of node 101 distally therebeyond toinside of x-warning position 101B of node 101 indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 and this illuminated state oflight signal device 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in thiscaution zone. Yet another illuminated state of light signal device 155includes light signal device 155 issuing an x-caution light color byx-caution light 161L as shown in FIG. 26 in response to an x-cautionpositional state of the node 101 at the x-caution position 101C of node101 shown in FIG. 19 and from x-caution position 101C of node 101distally therebeyond to inside of x-warning position 101D of node 101indicating a caution zone orientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 andthis illuminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long asnode 101 remains in this caution zone. The x-caution light 161R isconsidered a right caution light of light signal device 155, andx-caution light 161L is considered a left caution light of light signaldevice 155.

As light signal device 155 relates to caution zones, yet anotherilluminated state of light signal device 155 includes light signaldevice 155 issuing a y-caution light color by y-caution light 170F asshown in FIG. 27 in response to a y-caution positional state of the node101 at the y-caution position 101E of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 and fromy-caution position 101E of node 101 distally therebeyond to inside ofy-warning position 101F of node 101 indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and this illuminated state oflight signal device 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in thiscaution zone. Still another illuminated state of light signal device 155includes light signal device 155 issuing a y-caution light color byy-caution light 170R as shown in FIG. 28 in response to a y-cautionpositional state of the node 101 at the y-caution position 101G of node101 shown in FIG. 20 and from y-caution position 101G of node 101distally therebeyond to inside of y-warning position 101H of node 101indicating a caution zone orientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 andthis illuminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long asnode 101 remains in this caution zone. The y-caution light 170F isconsidered a front or forward caution light of light signal device 155,and y-caution light 170R is considered a back or rearward caution lightof light signal device 155.

Still another illuminated state of light signal device 155 includeslight signal device 155 issuing an x-warning light color by x-warninglight 162R as shown in FIG. 29 in response to an x-warning positionalstate of node 101 at the x-warning position 101B of node 101 shown inFIG. 19 and from x-warning position 101B of node 101 distallytherebeyond indicating a warning zone orientation of node 101 inx-direction 105 and this illuminated state of light signal device 155persists as long as node 101 remains in this warning zone. And anotherilluminated state of light signal device 155 includes light signaldevice 155 issuing an x-warning light color by x-warning light 162L asshown in FIG. 30 in response to an x-warning positional state of node101 at the x-warning position 101D of node 101 shown in FIG. 19 and fromx-warning position 101D of node 101 distally therebeyond indicating awarning zone orientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 and thisilluminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long as node101 remains in this warning zone. The x-warning light 162R is considereda right warning light of light signal device 155, and x-warning light162L is considered a left warning light of light signal device 155.

As light signal device 155 relates to warning zones, yet anotherilluminated state of light signal device 155 includes light signaldevice 155 issuing a y-warning light color by y-warning light 171F asshown in FIG. 31 in response to a y-warning positional state of the node101 at the y-warning position 101F of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 and fromy-warning position 101F of node 101 distally therebeyond indicating awarning zone orientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and thisilluminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long as node101 remains in this warning zone. And still another illuminated state oflight signal device 155 includes light signal device 155 issuing ay-caution light color by y-warning light 171R as shown in FIG. 32 inresponse to a y-warning positional state of the node 101 at they-warning position 101H of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 and from y-warningposition 101H of node 101 distally therebeyond indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and this illuminated state oflight signal device 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in thiscaution zone. The y-warning light 171F is considered a front or forwardwarning light of light signal device 155, and y-warning light 171R isconsidered a back or rearward warning light of light signal device 155.

Light signal device 155 provides visual indications of the referenceposition of node 101 and the caution and warning positions of node alongx-direction 105 of node 101 as provided by the x-lights of light signaldevice 155, and along y-direction 106 of node 101 as provided byy-lights. Based on the above discussion, the overall safe zone of node101 is at the reference position of node 101 and distally therebeyond toinside of x- and y-caution positions 101A, 101C, 101E, and 101G of node101, the overall caution zone of node 101 is at x- and y-cautionpositions 101A, 101C, 101E, and 101G of node 101 and distallytherebeyond to inside of x- and y-warning positions 101B, 101D, 101F,and 101H of node 101, and the overall warning zone of node 101 is at x-and y-warning positions 101B, 101D, 101F, and 101H of node 101 anddistally therebeyond. Based on the preferred angles between thereference position of node 101 and the caution and warning positions ofnode, the angular window of the safe zone of node 101 extends betweenthe reference position of node 101 and the caution positions of node 101represented by 7.5 degree angles of deflection of node 101 from thereference position of node 101 to the caution positions of node 101 inthe x- and y-directions 105 and 106, the angular window of the cautionzone of node 101 extends between the caution positions of node 101 andthe warning positions of node 10 represented by 15 degree angles ofdeflection of node 101 from the reference position of node 101 to thewarning positions of node 101 in the x- and y-directions 105 and 106,and angular window of the warning zone of node 101 extends from thecaution positions of node 101 and distally therebeyond. Although thedescribed angular window of the safe zone is 7.5 degrees and the angularwindow of the caution zone is 15 degrees, these angles of degreesrepresenting the angular windows of the safe and caution zones leadingto the warning zone can be increased or decreased along in the x- andy-directions 105 and 106 with potentiometers 152 and 153 as previouslydiscussed. For reference purposes, FIG. 16A includes a schematicrepresentation of the safe zone denoted generally at 175, the cautionzone denoted generally at 176 located outside or distally of safe zone175, and the warning zone denoted generally at 177 located outside ordistally of caution zone 176, in which said zones representcorresponding concentric circles or regions that define or delineateposture-defining regions or postural-state regions encircling thereference or set point position of node 101 as defined by accelerometer102 and which for reference purposes the reference or set point positionof node 101 is denoted generally at 179 at the center of safe zone 175.For reference purposes, safe region or zone 175 is the innermostregion/zone around the reference or set point position of node 101,warning region or zone 177 is the outermost region/zone around thereference or set point position of node 101, and warning region or zone176 is the intermediate region/zone around the reference or set pointposition of node 101 between safe zone 175 and warning zone 176.

The reference light color of reference light 160 is different from thecaution light colors of the x- and y-caution lights, and is differentfrom the warning light colors of the x- and y-warning lights of lightsignal device 155 so as to provide a visual indication of the safe zoneof node 101. Moreover, the caution light color of the x- and y-cautionlights is different from the warning light color of the x- and y-warninglights so as to provide a visual indication of the caution zone of node101 by the x- and y-caution lights, and so as to provide a visualindication of the warning zone of node 101 by the x- and y-warninglights. In a preferred embodiment, the reference light color ofreference light 160 is green to indicate the safe zone positioning ofnode 101, the caution light color of x- and y-caution lights is yellowto indicate caution positioning of node 101, and the warning light colorof the x- and y-warning lights is red to indicate warning positioning ofnode 101.

To employ system 100 in monitoring the body positions of an individualuser, such as user 180 in FIGS. 21-23, node 101 is first applied to user180 at a specific location where body position monitoring is desired,which, as a matter of example, is the back of user's 180 neck asillustrated. To apply and secure node 101 in place, adhesive 122 formedon front face 111 of body 110 of node 101 is directed against the backof user's 180 neck thereby adhesively securing node 101 in place. In thepresent example, node 101 adhered in place to user 180 orienting axis Xof node 101 in a vertical direction relative to user 180 and orientingaxis Y of node in a horizontal direction relative to user 180, as shownin FIGS. 21 and 22. In the present example as shown in FIG. 23, system100 is employed to monitor body positions of user 180 while walking onfoot with the use of an ambulatory implement, which, in the presentembodiment is a walker 181. In preparation for using walker 181 in acustomary manner, user 180 stands before walker 181 and then takeswalker 181 in preparation for use.

Walker 181 is generally representative of a conventional pickup walkeruseful in assisting a user in going on foot, further details of whichwill readily occur to the skilled artisan and will not be discussed infurther detail. Walker 181 lets a user keep all or some of his weightoff of his lower body with his arms as he takes his steps, i.e., as hegoes on foot. To use walker 181, walker 181 is placed in front of user180, user 180 reaches out with his hands and takes up walker 181 by handto support some or all of his body weight with his arms. User 180 thenproceeds to walk and as he does so gently slides or otherwise advanceswalker 181 forwardly with his arms to a forward position, holds walker181 stationary at this advanced position, and then again walks towardwalker 181 while supporting some or all of his body weight with hisarms. This process of going on foot with walker 181 is repeated by theuser as the user uses walker 181 to go on foot as described, in whichthe user repeatedly walks toward walker 181 and advances walker 181. Asuser 180 uses walker 181 to go on foot, it is important that the userstand substantially upright as denoted at position 180A while holdingthe handled end of walker 181, and repeatedly walk toward walker 181 andrepeatedly advancing walker 181, and this characterizes normal walkeruse technique. To prevent falling or using walker 181 in an unsafemanner, such as by user 180 leaning too far forward or back or byleaning too far to one side or the other, system 100 is employed tomonitor the body positioning of user at the back of the neck of user 180and to provide caution and warning stimulus to user 180 for the purposeof alerting user 180 to unsafe and dangerous body positions of user 180that could result in user 180 falling or otherwise becoming injuredwhile using walker 181.

Processor 150 is preprogrammed to operate according to the followingdiscussion. In preparation for using walker 181 in a customary manner inconjunction with system 100, node 101 is applied to user 180 asexplained above, user stands before walker 181 and then takes up by handwalker 181 in preparation for use in walking on foot, and then assumes acorrect, upright, recommended or safe walking human position denoted at180A about which the caution and warning walking human positions will bedefined by accelerometer 101. Assuming walking human position 180A byuser 180 may require assistance, such as from a qualified physicaltherapist, trainer, or other professional. At this point, user 180remains stationary and control unit 103 is activated by turning ON/OFFswitch 140 from the OFF position to the ON position as shown in FIGS. 13and 16. In response to this activation of control unit 103, processor150 denoted in FIG. 18 is responsive and initiates a calibrationprocedure of accelerometer 102. By maintaining node 101 andaccelerometer 102 stationary while attached to user 180 by user standingstill over a brief period of time, such as between 5-10 seconds,processor 150 calibrates and sets accelerometer 102 to a reference orset point position of node 101 thereby defining the orientation orreference positions of axis X and axis Y of node 101 in thecorresponding x- and y-directions 105 and 106 relating to the correctupright or recommended position of user 180. At this point, speakerON/OFF switch 142 is moved to its ON position thereby activating speaker144. System 100 is ready for use and user 180 may commence the givenactivity, which is walking with the aid of walker 181 in the presentexample. In FIG. 23 control unit 103 is shown as it would appear carriedby user 180 and clipped in place with clip 158 (not shown in FIG. 23) topart of a garment or belt worn by user 180. To recalibrate node 101,switch 140 need only be switched from the ON position to the OFFposition, and then switch back to the ON position from the OFF positionand the calibration procedure proceeds as previously described. Onceaccelerometer/node 102/101 is so calibrated, it can only be recalibratedby turning switch 140 OFF and then back ON.

As user 180 walks and moves his body accordingly through walking humanpositions corresponding to walking, accelerometer 102 of node 101 isresponsive and generates the output signals that are a function ofpositional orientation of node 101 along x-direction 105 of attitudedisplacement of node 101 and y-direction 106 of attitude displacement ofnode 101 as explained above. As a matter of reference, at walking humanposition 180A in FIG. 23 user 180 is in a correct or recommendedposition such that node 101 is positioned in and occupies the safe zone,and controller 150 is responsive and illuminates reference light 160 asshown in FIG. 24 to indicate to user 180 that node 101 is in safe zone175 denoted in FIG. 16. If node 101 remains in the safe zone while user180 is walking using walker 181, the human position of user 180 isconsidered correct, recommended, or safe. If node 101 leaves the safezone and enters the caution zone in response to an angular displacementof node 101, such as in response to movement of user 180 from humanposition 180A to human position 180B in FIG. 23 being a caution humanposition of user 180, the human position of user 180 is not entirelycorrect, not entirely recommended, or otherwise not entirely unsafe orotherwise potentially unsafe. If node 101 leaves the safe zone and thecaution zone and enters the warning zone in response to an angulardisplacement of node 101, such as in response to movement of user 180from human positions 180A and 180B to human position 180C in FIG. 23being a warning human position of user 180, the human position of user180 is not correct, not recommended, and unsafe, which, if continued,could lead to user 180 falling or tripping and sustaining injury. InFIG. 23, human position 180B corresponds to y-caution position 101E ofnode 101 shown in FIG. 20, and human position 180C corresponds toy-warning position 101F of node 101 also shown in FIG. 20.

In response to node 101 assuming a caution position, whether inx-direction 105 or y-direction 106, processor 150 is responsive andactivates speaker 144 that issues its caution audible signal audiblyalerting user 180 to the assumed caution position of node 101 and of hispotentially unsafe human position, such as human position 180B in FIG.23, activates vibrator 154 that issues its caution vibration signalfurther alerting user 180 to the assumed caution position of node 101and of his potentially unsafe human position, and activates light signaldevice 155 that issues its visual caution signal still further alertinguser 180 to the assumed caution position of node 101 and of hispotentially unsafe human position. Being so alerted to the cautionposition of node 101 and of his potentially unsafe human position, user180 my then move his body from side-to-side along x-direction 105 orfrom front-to-back or from back-to-front along y direction 106 to adjusthis body position and angularly displace node 101 from the cautionposition and back to a safe position in the safe zone to resume a safehuman position, which is a walking position in the present example.

In response to node 101 assuming a warning position, whether inx-direction 105 or y-direction 106, processor 150 is responsive andactivates speaker 144 that issues its warning audible signal audiblyalerting user 180 to the assumed warning position of node 101 and of hisunsafe or dangerous human position, such as human position 180C in FIG.23, activates vibrator 154 that issues its warning vibration signalfurther alerting user 180 to the assumed warning position of node 101and of his potentially unsafe human position, and activates light signaldevice 155 that issues its visual warning signal still further alertinguser 180 to the assumed warning position of node 101 and of his unsafeor dangerous human position. Being so alerted to the warning position ofnode 101 and of his unsafe or dangerous human position, user 180 my thenmove his body from side-to-side along x-direction 105 or fromfront-to-back or from back-to-front along y direction 106 to adjust hisbody position and angularly displace node 101 from the warning positionand back to a safe position in the safe zone to resume a safe humanposition, which is a walking position in the present example.

With respect to the caution visual signals of light signal device 155through the operation of processor 150 in response to the receivedoutput signals from accelerometer 102 being a function of positionalorientation of node 101 along x-direction 105 of attitude displacementof node 101 and y-direction 106 of attitude displacement of node 101 asexplained in this disclosure, processor 150 activates light signaldevice 155 in the following ways.

The x-caution light 161R illuminates as shown in FIG. 25 to issue itsx-caution light color in response to an x-caution positional state ofthe node 101 at the x-caution position 101A of node 101 shown in FIG. 19and from x-caution position 101A of node 101 distally therebeyond toinside of x-warning position 101B of node 101 indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 and this state ofillumination of light signal device 155 persists as long as node 101remains in this caution zone. The x-caution position 101A of node 101relates to an angular displacement of the human position of user 180 andnode 101 to the right along x-direction 105, which provides a visualindication to user 180 to correct his human position by moving his humanposition and node 101 to the left and back to the safe zone.

The x-caution light 161L illuminates as shown in FIG. 26 to issue itsx-caution light color in response to an x-caution positional state ofthe node 101 at the x-caution position 101C of node 101 shown in FIG. 19and from x-caution position 101C of node 101 distally therebeyond toinside of x-warning position 101D of node 101 indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 and this illuminated state oflight signal device 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in thiscaution zone. The x-caution position 101C of node 101 relates to anangular displacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 tothe left along x-direction 105, which provides a visual indication touser 180 to correct his human position by moving his human position andnode 101 to the right back to the safe zone.

The y-caution light 170F illuminates as shown in FIG. 27 to issue itsy-caution light color in response to a y-caution positional state of thenode 101 at the y-caution position 101E of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 andfrom y-caution position 101E of node 101 distally therebeyond to insideof y-warning position 101F of node 101 indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and this illuminated state oflight signal device 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in thiscaution zone. The y-caution position 101E of node 101 relates to anangular displacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101forwardly along y-direction 106, which provides a visual indication touser 180 to correct his human position by moving his human position andnode 101 to the rear and thus back to the safe zone.

The y-caution light 170R illuminates as shown in FIG. 28 to issue itsy-caution light color in response to a y-caution positional state of thenode 101 at the y-caution position 101G of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 andfrom y-caution position 101G of node 101 distally therebeyond to insideof y-warning position 101H of node 101 indicating a caution zoneorientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and this illuminated state oflight signal device 155 persists as long as node 101 remains in thiscaution zone. The y-caution position 101G of node 101 relates to anangular displacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101rearwardly along y-direction 106, which provides a visual indication touser 180 to correct his human position by moving his human position andnode 101 to the front and thus back to the safe zone.

The x-warning light 162R illuminates as shown in FIG. 29 to issue itsx-warning light color in response to an x-warning positional state ofnode 101 at the x-warning position 101B of node 101 shown in FIG. 19 andfrom x-warning position 101B of node 101 distally therebeyond indicatinga warning zone orientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 and thisilluminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long as node101 remains in this warning zone. The x-warning position 101B of node101 relates to an angular displacement of the human position of user 180and node 101 to the right along x-direction 105, which provides a visualindication to user 180 to correct his human position by moving his humanposition and node 101 to the left and back to the safe zone.

The x-warning light 162L illuminates as shown in FIG. 30 to issue itsx-warning light color in response to an x-warning positional state ofnode 101 at the x-warning position 101D of node 101 shown in FIG. 19 andfrom x-warning position 101D of node 101 distally therebeyond indicatinga warning zone orientation of node 101 in x-direction 105 and thisilluminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long as node101 remains in this warning zone. The x-warning position 101D of node101 relates to an angular displacement of the human position of user 180and node 101 to the left along x-direction 105, which provides a visualindication to user 180 to correct his human position by moving his humanposition and node 101 to the right back to the safe zone.

The y-warning light 171F illuminates as shown in FIG. 31 to issue itsy-warning light color in response to a y-warning positional state of thenode 101 at the y-warning position 101F of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 andfrom y-warning position 101F of node 101 distally therebeyond indicatinga warning zone orientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and thisilluminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long as node101 remains in this warning zone. The y-warning position 101F of node101 relates to an angular displacement of the human position of user 180and node 101 forwardly along y-direction 106, which provides a visualindication to user 180 to correct his human position by moving his humanposition and node 101 to the rear and thus back to the safe zone.

The y-warning light 171R illuminates as shown in FIG. 32 to issue itsy-warning light color in response to a y-warning positional state of thenode 101 at the y-warning position 101H of node 101 shown in FIG. 20 andfrom y-warning position 101H of node 101 distally therebeyond indicatinga caution zone orientation of node 101 in y-direction 106 and thisilluminated state of light signal device 155 persists as long as node101 remains in this caution zone. The y-warning position 101H of node101 relates to an angular displacement of the human position of user 180and node 101 rearwardly along y-direction 106, which provides a visualindication to user 180 to correct his human position by moving his humanposition and node 101 to the front and thus back to the safe zone.

In various examples, a caution zone position of node 101 can be assumedconcurrently along x-direction 105 and y-direction 106, a warning zoneposition of node 101 can be assumed concurrently along x-direction 105and y-direction 106, and a caution zone position of node 101 and awarning position of node 101 can be assumed concurrently alongx-direction 105 and y-direction 106, and processor 150 is responsive tothese concurrent positions to illuminate the corresponding x-lights andy-lights. As a matter of example of this aspect, FIGS. 33-48 illustratevarious illuminated states of light signal device 155 indicating cautionzone positions of node 101 concurrently along x-direction 105 andy-direction 106, warning zone positions of node 101 concurrently alongx-direction 105 and y-direction 106, and caution and warning zonepositions of node 101 along x-direction 105 and y-direction 106.

In the ON position of switch 140 and the ON position of speaker ON/OFFswitch 142, processor 150 is responsive to accelerometer 102 and willactivate speaker 144 to issue its caution and warning audible signals orstimuli as explained above. Speaker 144 may be easily disabled ifdesired to prevent it from issuing its caution and warning stimuli whenneeded or desired, which does not impact the operation of vibrator 154of light signal device 155.

As indicated above, the caution and warning audible signals issued byspeaker 144 may be different pre-recorded verbal caution and warningmessages, which are housed or otherwise stored in storage 151 andaccessed by processor 150 for playing through speaker 144 in response tothe caution position and warning position of node 101 along x-direction105 and y-direction. These verbal messages are designed to let a userknow of a caution or warning position of node 101 corresponding tocaution and warning human positions and the type or manner of correctiveaction that a user may take. Examples of pre-recorded verbal messagesare set forth below.

The x-caution position 101A of node 101 in FIG. 19 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 to the rightalong x-direction 105. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalcaution message or x-caution message issued by speaker 144 can be“Caution! Leaning to the right. Lean back to the left.” This verbalcaution warning indicates the human position that has been assumed in acaution zone positioning of node 101, and the corrective action that maybe taken to move the human position along x-direction 105 back to a safezone positioning of node 101 and back to the safe position of the humanposition.

The x-caution position 101C of node 101 in FIG. 19 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 to the leftalong x-direction 105. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalcaution message or x-caution message issued by speaker 144 can be“Caution! Leaning to the right. Lean back to the right.” This verbalcaution warning indicates the human position that has been assumed in acaution zone positioning of node 101, and the corrective action that maybe taken to move the human position back to a safe zone positioning ofnode 101 along x-direction 105 and back to the safe position of thehuman position.

The y-caution position 101E of node 101 in FIG. 20 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 forwardlyalong y-direction 106. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalcaution message or y-caution message issued by speaker 144 can be“Caution! Leaning forward. Lean back to the rear.” This verbal cautionwarning indicates the human position that has been assumed in a cautionzone positioning of node 101, and the corrective action that may betaken to move the human position back to a safe zone positioning of node101 along y-direction 106 and back to the safe position of the humanposition.

The y-caution position 101G of node 101 in FIG. 20 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 rearwardlyalong y-direction 106. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalcaution message or y-caution message issued by speaker 144 can be“Caution! Leaning rearwardly. Lean back to the front.” This verbalcaution warning indicates the human position that has been assumed in acaution zone positioning of node 101, and the corrective action that maybe taken to move the human position back to a safe zone positioning ofnode 101 along y-direction and back to the safe position of the humanposition.

The x-warning position 101B of node 101 in FIG. 19 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 to the rightalong x-direction 105. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalwarning message or x-warning message issued by speaker 144 can be“Warning! Leaning dangerously to the right. Immediately lean back to theleft.” This verbal warning indicates the human position that has beenassumed in a warning zone positioning of node 101, and the correctiveaction that may be taken to move the human position along x-direction105 back to a safe zone positioning of node 101 and back to the safeposition of the human position.

The x-warning position 101D of node 101 in FIG. 19 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 to the leftalong x-direction 105. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalwarning message or x-warning message issued by speaker 144 can be“Warning! Leaning dangerously to the right. Immediately lean back to theright.” This verbal warning indicates the human position that has beenassumed in a warning zone positioning of node 101, and the correctiveaction that may be taken to move the human position back to a safe zonepositioning of node 101 along x-direction 105 and back to the safeposition of the human position.

The y-warning position 101F of node 101 in FIG. 20 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 forwardlyalong y-direction 106. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalwarning message or y-warning message issued by speaker 144 can be“Warning! Leaning dangerously forward. Immediately lean back to therear.” This verbal warning indicates the human position that has beenassumed in a warning zone positioning of node 101, and the correctiveaction that may be taken to move the human position back to a safe zonepositioning of node 101 along y-direction 106 and back to the safeposition of the human position.

The y-warning position 101H of node 101 in FIG. 20 relates to an angulardisplacement of the human position of user 180 and node 101 rearwardlyalong y-direction 106. A corresponding pre-recorded audible verbalwarning message or y-warning message issued by speaker 144 can be“Warning! Leaning dangerously rearwardly. Immediately lean back to thefront.” This verbal warning indicates the human position that has beenassumed in a warning zone positioning of node 101, and the correctiveaction that may be taken to move the human position back to a safe zonepositioning of node 101 along y-direction and back to the safe positionof the human position.

The foregoing verbal x- and y-caution messages are examples of messageto encourage movement node 101 from x- and y-caution positions orcaution positional states of node 101 in the caution zone 176 referencedin FIG. 16 toward the reference or safe position of node 101 in the safezone 175. Other selected like or similar verbal caution messages may beemployed, if desired. Furthermore, the foregoing verbal x- and y-warningmessages are examples of message to demand movement node 101 from x- andy-warning positions or warning positional states of node 101 in thewarning zone 177 referenced in FIG. 16 toward the reference or safeposition of node 101 in the safe zone 175. Other selected like orsimilar verbal caution messages may be employed, if desired.

As explained above, a caution zone position of node 101 can be assumedconcurrently along x-direction 105 and y-direction 106, a warning zoneposition of node 101 can be assumed concurrently along x-direction 105and y-direction 106, and a caution zone position of node 101 and awarning position of node 101 can be assumed concurrently alongx-direction 105 and y-direction 106, and processor 150 is responsive tothese concurrent positions to access storage 151 and issue thecorresponding verbal caution and/or warning messages, which are playedone after the other in any order until corrective action is taken tomove the corresponding human position back to a safe zone positioning ofnode 101 along x-direction 105 and/or y-direction 106.

In the preferred embodiment disclosed herein, node 101 is applied touser 180, user 180 assumes a safe human position related to activity,such as walking, user 180 remains stationary in this safe human positionand control unit 103 is activated by turning ON/OFF switch 140 from theOFF position to the ON position as shown in FIGS. 13 and 16, and inresponse processor 150 initiates a calibration procedure to calibrateand set accelerometer 102 to a reference or set point orientation orposition thereby defining the orientation or reference positions of axisX and axis Y of node 101 in the corresponding x- and y-directions 105and 106 relating to the safe human position of user 180 in preparationfor engaging in the particular activity and about which the caution andwarning human positions are defined by accelerometer 102. In analternate embodiment commensurate with a particular activity,accelerometer may be preset to reference positions of axis X and axis Yof node 101 in the corresponding x- and y-directions 105 and 106.

The use and function of system 100 has been described in connection withhuman positions relating to the activity of walking with the use of awalker. System 100 may be similarly used for postural state attitude orhuman position monitoring, caution, and warning in other human positionscorresponding to other activities, such as standing, sitting, squatting,lying, crouching, walking without the aid of a walker or otherambulatory device, running, cycling with the use of a stationary bicycleor regular bicycle, rowing with the use of a row boat, skiing with theuse of skis, etc. The provision of system 100 allows the user to engagein such activities and to provide human position monitoring and cautionand warning signaling relating to safe, caution, and warning humanpositions or postural states for the specific activity. As explainedabove, accelerometer 102 is a multiple axis accelerometer 102 thatgenerates output signals to control unit 103 that are a function ofpositional orientation of node 101 along different directions or pathsof attitude displacement of node 101, including an x-direction 105 andy-direction 106. According to the preferred embodiment with reference toFIGS. 1 and 9, x-direction 105 is preferably perpendicular with respectto the y-direction 106. The x-direction 105 is a horizontal directionthat runs along, and is the same as, the horizontal axis X of node 101extending through the geometric center of body 110 node 101 from leftside 115 of body 110 of node 101 to right side 116 of body 110 of node101. The y-direction 106 is a vertical direction that runs along, and isthe same as, the vertical axis Y of node 101 extending through thegeometric center of body 110 node 101. The paths of attitudedisplacement of node 101 as defined by accelerometer 102 thus extendalong two directions or planes, namely, a horizontal direction or planeas identified by x-direction 105, and a vertical direction or plane asidentified by y-direction 106. These paths of attitude displacement aredifferent from one another according to the invention, and the relationand direction of these paths of attitude displacement can be defined orotherwise provided in other directions and angularly offset relationsaccording to the principle of the invention. Furthermore, although theinvention relates to two paths of attitude displacement, accelerometer102 may be configured to generate output signals along one or moreadditional paths of attitude displacement as may be desired, such asthree paths of attitude displacement, four paths of attitudedisplacement, etc. In each case, the invention functions in conjunctionwith multiple paths of attitude displacement, namely, two or more pathsof attitude displacement.

To further enhance the operational characteristics of a postural stateattitude monitoring, caution, and warning system constructed andarranged in accordance with the principle of the invention, attention isnow directed to FIG. 49, which illustrates an alternate embodiment of apostural state attitude monitoring, caution, and warning system 200including control console or unit 201 wirelessly coupled to theaccelerometer (not shown) of node 202. Control unit 201 and node 202 areidentical in every respect to console 103 and node 101 discussed indetail above in connection with system 100, with the exception that insystem 200 control unit 201 is formed with a conventional wirelesstransmitter/receiver 210 and node 202 is formed with a corresponding andconventional wireless transmitter/receiver 211, which togetherfacilitate a wireless operative coupling between the accelerometer ofnode 202 and console 201. Unlike control unit 103, control unit 201 ofsystem 200 is additionally formed with an attached bracket 212, whichmay be used to attach and secure control unit 201 in place to a walkeror other implement to be put to use by a user while using system 200.

Furthermore, Speaker 144 of control unit 103 emits the audible signals,stimuli, or alarms as herein specifically described. In a furtherembodiment with reference to FIG. 49, the system may additionallyinclude control unit 201 wirelessly coupled to a self-contained speakerearpiece 300 for wirelessly receiving audible signals from control unit201 for issuing the audible signals, stimuli, or alarms through theself-contained speaker earpiece 300 into the ear of a user into whichself-contained speaker earpiece 300 is inserted. Here, control unit 201is formed with transmitter/receiver 210 and self-contained earpiece 300is formed with a corresponding and conventional wirelesstransmitter/receiver 301, which together facilitate a wireless operativecoupling between self-contained speaker earpiece 300 and control unit201.

The invention has been described above with reference to preferredembodiments. However, those skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges and modifications may be made to the embodiments withoutdeparting from the nature and scope of the invention. Various changesand modifications to the embodiment herein chosen for purposes ofillustration will readily occur to those skilled in the art. To theextent that such modifications and variations do not depart from thespirit of the invention, they are intended to be included within thescope thereof.

Having fully described the invention in such clear and concise terms asto enable those skilled in the art to understand and practice the same,the invention claimed is:
 1. A postural state attitude monitoringsystem, comprising: a multiple axis accelerometer carried by a node forgenerating output signals that are a function of positional orientationof the node along an x-direction of attitude displacement of the nodeand a y-direction of attitude displacement of the node, the x-directionof attitude displacement of the node being perpendicular relative to they-direction of attitude displacement of the node; the x-direction ofattitude displacement of the node extends from a reference position ofthe node to first and second x-positions of the node on either side ofthe reference position of the node; the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node extends from the reference position of the nodeto first and second y-positions of the node on either side of thereference position of the node; a light signal device comprising areference light, first and second x-lights, and first and secondy-lights; the first and second x-lights positioned on either side of thereference light, and the reference light and the first and secondx-lights aligned along a light signaling x-direction corresponding tothe x-direction of attitude displacement of the node; the first andsecond y-lights positioned on either side of the reference light, andthe reference light and the first and second y-lights aligned along alight signaling y-direction corresponding to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node; the light signaling x- and y-directions areperpendicular relative to one another, so as to form a cross, andintersect at the reference light; the light signal device operativelycoupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a reference lightcolor by the reference light in response to a reference positional stateof the node at the reference position of the node and distallytherebeyond to inside of the first and second x-positions of the nodeand the first and second y-positions of the node; the light signaldevice operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer forissuing a first x-light color by the first x-light of the light signaldevice in response to a first x-positional state of the node at thefirst x-position of the node; the light signal device operativelycoupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a second x-lightcolor by the second x-light of the light signal device in response to asecond x-positional state of the node at the second x-position of thenode; the light signal device operatively coupled to the multiple axisaccelerometer for issuing a first y-light color by the first y-light ofthe light signal device in response to a first y-positional state of thenode at the first y-position of the node; the light signal deviceoperatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer for issuing asecond y-light color by the second y-light of the light signal device inresponse to a second y-positional state of the node at the secondy-position of the node; the reference light defines the referencepositional state of the node in relation to the first and secondx-positional states of the node defined by the first and secondx-lights, respectively, along the light-signaling x-direction, and thefirst and second y-positional states of the node defined by the firstand second y-lights, respectively, along the light-signalingy-direction; and the reference light color is different from each of thefirst and second x-light colors and each of the first and second y-lightcolors.
 2. A postural state attitude monitoring system, comprising: amultiple axis accelerometer carried by a node for generating outputsignals that are a function of positional orientation of the node alongan axis of attitude displacement of the node extending from differentpositions of the node including a first position of the node to a secondposition of the node; a first zone orientation of the node being fromthe first position of node and distally therebeyond to inside of secondposition of the node, and a second zone orientation of the node beingfrom the second position of the node and distally therebeyond; an auralsignal device operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer forissuing a pre-recorded audible verbal message in response to the secondzone orientation of the node; and the pre-recorded audible verbalmessage communicates the second zone orientation of the node in thesecond zone orientation of the node and corrective action to be taken tomove the node from the second zone orientation of the node to the firstzone orientation of the node.
 3. A postural state attitude monitoringsystem, comprising: a multiple axis accelerometer carried by a node forgenerating output signals that are a function of positional orientationof the node along an x-direction of attitude displacement of the nodeand a y-direction of attitude displacement of the node, the x-directionof attitude displacement of the node being perpendicular relative to they-direction of attitude displacement of the node; the x-direction ofattitude displacement of the node extends from a reference position ofthe node to an x-position of the node; the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node extends from the reference position of the nodeto a y-position of the node; the x-direction of attitude displacement ofthe node is perpendicular relative to the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node; a first zone orientation of the node beingfrom the reference position of node and distally therebeyond to insideof the x-position of the node in the x-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node, and to inside of the y-position of the node inthe y-direction of attitude displacement of the node; a second zoneorientation of the node being from the x-position of the node anddistally therebeyond in the x-direction of attitude displacement of thenode, and from the y-position of the node and distally therebeyond inthe y-direction of attitude displacement of the node; an aural signaldevice operatively coupled to the multiple axis accelerometer forissuing a pre-recorded audible verbal x-message in response to thesecond zone orientation of the node in the x-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node; the aural signal device operatively coupled tothe multiple axis accelerometer for issuing a pre-recorded audibleverbal y-message in response to the second zone orientation of the nodein the y-direction of attitude displacement of the node; thepre-recorded audible verbal x-message communicates the second zoneorientation of the node in the second zone orientation of the node inthe x-direction of attitude displacement of the node and correctiveaction to be taken to move the node from the second zone orientation ofthe node in the x-direction of attitude displacement of the node to thefirst zone orientation of the node; and the pre-recorded audible verbaly-message communicates the second zone orientation of the node in thesecond zone orientation of the node in the y-direction of attitudedisplacement of the node and corrective action to be taken to move thenode from the second zone orientation of the node in the y-direction ofattitude displacement of the node to the first zone orientation of thenode; and the pre-recorded audible verbal x- and y-messages aredifferent from one another.